日本の動物画‐いきもののかたち‐ 江戸期の花鳥画などかわいい日本画のサイト - Home -

Sano Kosui / Small bird with plum blossoms
A bluebird intently pecks at plum blossoms swaying in the early spring breeze. This flower-and-bird painting evokes a sense of freshness.
Okamoto Toyohiko / 3 Hanging scrolls (Turtle and plum tree, Old Man of the South Pole, Crane and bamboo)
This is a triptych pair of a crane and turtle, symbols of longevity, and old man of the south pole. They were also used in prayers for longevity.
Kano Hogai / Chrysanthemum and butterfly
The minimalist brushstrokes create a splendid space. The box is inscribed by Honda Tenjyo, a Japanese painter who studied under Kano Hogai.
Nishimura Goun / Millet quail
A quail takes flight from a millet field nearing harvest. The contrast between the bold brushstrokes of the millet and the detailed drawing of the quail is striking.
Kawabata Gyokusho / Departing wild geese and arriving swallows
The wild geese leave for the north, replacing the swallows that arrive in Japan. This is a scene that symbolizes spring.
Matsumura Keibun / Two pigeons under a weeping cherry tree
Two pigeons pecking at food under weeping cherry trees. This work evokes the warm sunlight of spring.
Ike Taiga / Sparrow and bamboo
This is a sparrow painting by Ike Taiga, a literati painter of the mid-Edo period. The sparrow, which is believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune and luck, is depicted together with a bamboo, which symbolizes honesty because it stretches straight upward.
Tani Buncho / Two cats playing with butterflies
Two cats with comical expressions playing with butterflies. This work was painted in February 1836 when Buncho was 75 years old.
Nakabayashi Chikuto / Little bird on a branch
A small bird perched on a loose branch. This work shows the artist's unwavering brushwork and impressive artistic ability. Painted by Chikuto at the age of 73.